JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the second time in less than two weeks, the Duval County School District is investigating offensive signs on school property after learning that swastikas had been drawn on a bathroom wall at Landmark Middle School.
Joshua McConnell, a substitute teacher, said he discovered the graffiti when he walked into one of the middle school's restrooms Wednesday morning. McConnell sent a photo of the bathroom wall to News4Jax.
"These are middle school kids, and to be able to draw a racist iconography, that was really appalling. So I was taken aback by that," McConnell said.
Deziree Smith, whose daughter is a student at the school, said she's disturbed by the hateful act.
"I was very shocked when I found out about it," Smith said. "I hate the racism that is going on right now. This is ridiculous, especially knowing that my kid is in this school."
The mother was already concerned, because Smith said her daughter was called racist slurs while walking home from school earlier this year. She said she hopes that the hatred, whether it's written on a wall or spoken aloud, stops.
"It breaks my heart. It makes me want to cry. You want your kids to be safe, but you can't protect them at all times," Smith said. "Stop the crime. Stop the hate. Everybody get along. You only have one life. Live it and love everyone."
Laureen Ricks, Duval County School District spokeswoman, said that the swastikas were immediately removed from the wall Wednesday after being notified about them by News4Jax.
"Any offensive images or words, in the form of graffiti or signage, are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by Duval County Public Schools. District and school officials are investigating this incident and, once determined, will issue appropriate discipline and provide counseling to those who committed this action," Ricks said in a statement.
The district is investigating who drew the swastikas, in addition to an apparent prank at First Coast High School last week that caused a buzz on social media because of its racist tone.
RELATED: 'Prank' at First Coast High School causes stir
Last week, someone posted handwritten signs over a pair of water fountains at First Coast High School, labeling one "whites only" and the other "colored." Outraged parents and students took to Facebook to vent about the signs, which they said were posted the day after Election Day.
Ricks said school staff members immediately removed the notes once they were brought to their attention.